Alpha-GPC Supplements Guide

In this new era of ever-lengthening lifespans, more research is being done on how to improve not just duration of life but quality as well. This is leading researchers down some intriguing new paths, exploring how the human body repairs, replenishes and restores itself to keep working better for longer.

Alpha GPC, which is also known as L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine or choline alfoscerate, is one such essential macronutrient that the body and brain uses to protect the brain from aging and memory loss. According to BrainTropic, Alpha GPC can deliver choline, an essential macronutrient, which can be one nutrient it is hard for the body to obtain through diet alone.

In this post, learn more about Alpha GPC, how it works, what its major benefits are, if there are side effects, how to choose a supplement and dosing recommendations.

NOTE: If you are trying to conceive, pregnant now or still breastfeeding, it is best to talk with your doctor before adding Alpha GPC to your health routine. As well, if you are recovering from any chronic health condition and/or taking medications long-term for the same, it is best to talk with your doctor first before taking Alpha GPC.

What is Alpha GPC?

Alpha GPC is considered a nootropic, or “smart” substance. The term “smart” refers to Alpha GPC’s ability to go right to where it is needed in the body and brain. It also refers to Alpha GPC’s ability to repair and strengthen brain health and memory – i.e., “smart.”

According to Limitless Mindset, there are three basic ways to deliver choline to your body and brain. But some forms cross the blood/brain barrier better than other forms. Alpha GPC is a particularly useful form as it can move without effort from the bloodstream to the brain for use.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is continually cataloguing new research that explores various uses for Alpha GPC to enhance brain health. Alpha GPC is a particular favorite for researchers because it is the closest match to dietary choline.

According to health expert Dr. Axe, choline can only be made by the body in minute quantities. Yet choline is an essential macronutrient for several vital brain and body processes, including healthy liver function, brain development, nerve function, metabolism, energy and autonomic physical processes such as breathing and heart rate.

So it can make sense that as the body ages and begins to need more choline than it can produce, certain functions would decline. Memory might go before liver function because a healthy liver is not optional to keep the body alive, but sharp memories are less vital in this area.

Supplementing with choline by taking Alpha GPC is considered safe and healthy because choline is a water soluble nutrient. This means that the body will transport any excess out with the urine. What the body does need will instantly be put to work making DNA for healthy nerve function and detoxifying the body systems.

You can get choline naturally by eating salmon, cauliflower, beef, eggs, liver, brussels sprouts and (for infants) breast milk. But also (and especially if these foods aren’t on your favorites list) you can also get the choline you need by taking Alpha GPC in supplement form.

Precautions

WebMD reports that some individuals have reported these side effects: headache, rash, dizziness, insomnia, dizziness and confusion.

To avoid side effects, it is best to start with the lowest possible dose and just see how your body responds. If you notice side effects, you can adjust your dose until you are no longer experiencing these.

There is an interaction with the drug Scopolamine, which is often used as a patch to combat nausea and motion sickness. If you are taking Scopolamine, do not take Alpha GPC.

As mentioned in the Introduction here, it is also wisest to refrain from taking Alpha GPC while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, simply because the effects of taking Alpha GPC during these more sensitive times are not yet known.

Always speak with a medical professional or doctor before taking any supplements. Always read the product label for instructions and directions.

Taking Alpha GPC

Dr. Axe states that the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) recommends the following dosages of choline based on age:

Infants/babies: 125 to 150 mg.

Ages 1-8: 150 to 250 mg.

Ages 8-13: 250 to 375 mg.

Women ages 14+: 425 to 550 mg.

Men ages 14+: 550 mg.

While the NAS does include recommendations for taking choline during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since Alpha GPC is a form of choline that is not derived directly from the diet, ask your doctor before taking it.

You should always defer to your doctor’s recommendation or adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended dosing instructions when you first begin taking Alpha GPC. This way, you will not be at risk of an overdose.

What to Look for in a Good Alpha GPC Product

Consumer Labs reports that the top 10 most popular choline supplements were found to be accurate in what the label stated as the amount of choline in each supplement. This is good news in terms of being able to trust that you are getting as much choline as the supplement claims.

However, this research does point to a need to purchase Alpha GPC-form of choline from a trusted name you recognize. Because Alpha GPC is considered to be one of the best forms of natural choline you can take, look for a supplement that is 100 percent pure with no added ingredients, fillers, artificial colors or flavors or preservatives. If you have allergies, be sure the facility does not also handle allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, et al).

By taking your time to research what Alpha GPC is, how it works in your body and brain, how much to take, possible side effects and how to choose the best supplement, you can make sure you have the best possible result from taking Alpha GPC.

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